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Congressman Bishop tells Utah House federalism should guide federal‑state work
Summary
U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop addressed the Utah House on federalism, urging states’ roles in policy and warning of federal decisions that could affect Utah jobs in aerospace and defense; the chamber received him in a Committee of the Whole.
U.S. Congressman Rob Bishop addressed the Utah House while it sat as the Committee of the Whole, praising the legislature’s work and urging a renewed emphasis on federalism.
Bishop told members that empowering state decision‑making and preventing unnecessary federal duplication are central priorities. "Federalism ... is the only salvation we are going to have if this country is able to survive and move forward," he said, underscoring his broader argument that states are best positioned to make many programmatic decisions.
Bishop also raised immediate economic concerns for Utah, warning that federal budget and program choices — particularly around space and defense programs — could lead to substantial job losses in the state’s industrial base. He cited the uncertain status of the Ares rocket renewal and suggested the state could face thousands of job losses depending on federal actions, while noting the budget and program details would be made public in the coming days.
Members asked a few questions from the floor; Bishop answered briefly and closed his remarks by reiterating his support for the state legislature.
Context: Bishop framed his remarks as part of an effort in Washington to organize caucuses and push back on federal overreach or poorly designed reauthorizations that he said could have unintended effects when implemented at the state level.
